JOHN BARTON (JACK) SPEAKMAN

John Barton (Jack) Speakman passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 1997.
He leaves his devoted wife, Gale; daughter, Carolyn Granewall; son-in-law, Nels Granewall; closest relatives, Tippi and Gerry Angell, and Sharen and Frank Butcher; Fairhurst cousins; and a host of friends of all ages.
All mourn the loss of his vivid and lively presence.
Born at Nanaimo, B.C. on April 11, 1914, Jack spent his youth mainly in Northern Ontario, at school in Emo and later working in mining and construction. In 1942, he joined the R.C.N. and was posted to Esquimalt naval dockyard as an operating engineer.
After discharge from military service, Jack continued in this capacity as a civilian for more than 30 years. During his long and stable career, he was a member of I.U.O.E. Local 918, Saanich Rotary Club, Chief and Petty Officers’ Association, and First Open Heart Society.
During retirement, he and Gale became enthusiastic “Snowbirds.” For more than 20 years, Jack found particular satisfaction in his role as “unofficial lifeguard and swimming instructor” at the Holiday Village pool in Mesa, Az.
Throughout his life, Jack was known for his great love of living in this world. With us he shared, and led us to experience for ourselves, the engineering genius of cobwebs, the sprightly choreography of small birds, the radiance of stars.
A memorial service in celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel (Parking Lot #6) in UVIC’s Finnerty Gardens on Saturday, Oct. 25, 1997 at 4:30 p.m. “Reception and Replenishment” will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Speakman-Granewall Bursary Fund (in mechanical engineering) would be most appreciated. Please contact the Development Office, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3060, Victoria, B.C., V8W 3R4 (1-250-721-7624).